25 Essential Lexington Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Lexington.
El PATIO
Kentucky
Easygoing Mexican restaurant with a patio offering burritos, tacos & enchiladas, plus margaritas.
Pie Five Pizza
Kentucky
Sleek counter-serve chain serving design-your-own pizza baked in 5 minutes, plus salads.
LX BBQ
Kentucky
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Lexington's most persuasive barbecue restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 87.9.
Blue Door Smokehouse
Lexington, Kentucky
Busy BBQ joint serving smoked meats & classic sides in a no-frills, counter-serve setting.
Jersey Mike's Subs
Lexington, Kentucky
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
Coles 735 Main
Lexington, Kentucky
Eclectic, locally sourced New American cuisine served in a circa-1938 restaurant space.
Stella's Kentucky Deli
Lexington, Kentucky
Locavore-oriented brunch & lunch deli, plus end-of-the-week dinner & cocktails, set in an old house.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Lexington, Kentucky
Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
Jersey Mike's Subs
Lexington, Kentucky
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
First Watch
Lexington, Kentucky
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
First Watch
Lexington, Kentucky
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Fazoli's
Lexington, Kentucky
Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.
Harry's American Bar & Grill
Lexington, Kentucky
Prime cuts & a bottomless-salad deal, plus gluten-free options, mark this informal steakhouse chain.
The Local Taco Lexington
Lexington, Kentucky
Local chain serving brunch, creative tacos, fajitas & cocktails in relaxed surroundings.
Malone's Lansdowne
Lexington, Kentucky
Prime cuts & a bottomless-salad deal, plus gluten-free options, mark this informal steakhouse chain.
Malone's Hamburg
Lexington, Kentucky
Prime cuts & a bottomless-salad deal, plus gluten-free options, mark this informal steakhouse chain.
Ramsey's Diner - Masterson Station
Lexington, Kentucky
Bustling longtime diner offering breakfast all day, plus familiar comfort grub & draft brews.
Char on Ashland
Lexington, Kentucky
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great cocktails, Great coffee.
Texas de Brazil - Lexington
Lexington, Kentucky
Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.
Osaka Japanese Restaurant Boston Rd
Lexington, Kentucky
Casual, contemporary Japanese spot with sushi bar seating for sashimi, maki & cooked entrees.
Winchell's Restaurant and Bar
Lexington, Kentucky
Lively sports bar for drinks, standard pub grub & Southern favorites such as Hot Browns.
Distilled on Jefferson
Lexington, Kentucky
Chic spot for Southern-inspired fare & a full bar with a varied wine, bourbon & whiskey selection.
Windy Corner Market
Lexington, Kentucky
Unfussy American joint in horse-farm country serving po' boys, breakfasts & more in a rustic space.
Harry's American Bar & Grill
Lexington, Kentucky
Prime cuts & a bottomless-salad deal, plus gluten-free options, mark this informal steakhouse chain.
Epping's on Eastside
Lexington, Kentucky
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert.